Quarantine Practices

[hillegom]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Hmmm, you've caught my interest with this. I have used the hypo method with good success. But the downside is that it takes a long time, usually about 2 - 3 months the way I do it. And you always need a mature QT running and ready.

The TT method seems a lot faster. And I have a lot of those old 5g salt pails available. Instead of using new fresh SW mix, any problems with just using some stored DT water from a water change? As I said, I have a lot of those salt buckets, so can easily do that. What about filtration, or is 3 days not enough time to worry about that? As the final step before the DT, I can transfer them to my QT to observe them a bit longer.

I use water from the display, the first time, the fish have to be acclimated.
For me, I see a win win because I am also changing the DT water.
I feed minimal for two days then a lot the last night. Before going to bed I put a black plastic bag over the pail (I have aeration in the pail) and remove it just before I transfer
I don't put them into QT after, just into DT. I don't use filtration. The first two pails the fish are in, usually gets prazipro treatments.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by hillegom

I use water from the display, the first time, the fish have to be acclimated.
For me, I see a win win because I am also changing the DT water.
I feed minimal for two days then a lot the last night. Before going to bed I put a black plastic bag over the pail (I have aeration in the pail) and remove it just before I transfer
I don't put them into QT after, just into DT. I don't use filtration. The first two pails the fish are in, usually gets prazipro treatments.

Do you provide any light for the pail? And maybe a PVC pipe for their security comfort? Assume you have a heater in the pail.

My thinking of the QT (since I have it already set up anyway) is just for observation before going into the DT. I would think it would be pretty hard to observe them in a pail, especially if they are hiding. And I want to be sure they are feeding well.

Sure would be nice to cut down my QT period from 2+ months to maybe 2 weeks. Not that I buy a fish very often..., but sometimes I see one at J&L or elsewhere, but don't want to bring it home because how long it will take.

[hillegom]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Do you provide any light for the pail? And maybe a PVC pipe for their security comfort? Assume you have a heater in the pail.

My thinking of the QT (since I have it already set up anyway) is just for observation before going into the DT. I would think it would be pretty hard to observe them in a pail, especially if they are hiding. And I want to be sure they are feeding well.

Sure would be nice to cut down my QT period from 2+ months to maybe 2 weeks. Not that I buy a fish very often..., but sometimes I see one at J&L or elsewhere, but don't want to bring it home because how long it will take.

There is a pipe or Y or T fit to the size of each fish. I have never had more than 4 small, maybe 1.5 in fish at a time. Heater yes, with airstone, no light. Just ambient room light, of which we have a lot = windows. Loose fitting lid.
All uneaten food is siphoned out after about 20 min.

[Reef Pilot]

Thanks, Dietmar, that is excellent information. Doesn't sound too difficult. Might give it a try next time.